Senior IT And Systems Administrator

Job Overview

Dubai Heights Academy is a warm and welcoming place to work. Located in the Al Barsha South area of Dubai, this is an exciting opportunity to join our team.

The school opened in 2017. It offers an inclusive, exciting and outstanding education to an international community of students from FS1 to Year 12 (2025-2026) and will continue to grow organically to Year 13.

The campus offers a purpose-built, spacious, and naturally light environment, with separate buildings for each phase and a 380-seat auditorium. Facilities include three temperature controlled swimming pools, fully equipped science and computer laboratories, specialist rooms for art, design technology, music, and drama, as well as two main libraries. Students benefit from three multipurpose halls, two cafeteria spaces, a coffee shop, a rooftop sports terrace, a full-size football pitch and a variety of outdoor play areas. The 2025–2026 academic year has seen the opening of a brand-new secondary building, further enhancing the breadth and quality of the facilities.

Dubai Heights Academy provides a curriculum that meets the needs of all of our students and follows the National Curriculum for England as the basis of its curriculum. This has been tailored to comply with local requirements and supplemented with Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and Social Studies. In addition, Dubai Heights Academy has partnered with MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to develop and deliver a bespoke AI (artificial intelligence) project-based programme for secondary and an early language programme using social robots for Primary, to further enrich our broad and balanced curriculum.

We are driven by an underlying philosophy captured by our school ethos of ‘Every Child, Every Mind and Everybody matters’ and believe that every student deserves the best possible education, regardless of background and ability.

Job Overview

Dubai Heights Academy has an opening for a meticulous and proactive Senior IT and Systems Administrator who will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation and integrity of our IT systems, contributing significantly to our schools success.

We expect all applicants to be well qualified, self-motivated, adaptable, imaginative, and keen to join a team that is committed to academic excellence.

The IT & Systems Operations Lead is the school’s senior technical authority, responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of all IT systems, networks, AV equipment, and digital platforms. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on expertise, acting as an escalation point for complex issues, leading projects, and ensuring compliance with best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the IT department, supervising the IT and Systems Administrator.
• Act as the escalation point for complex technical and security issues.
• Provide support, guidance, training, and mentoring to IT team members and school staff.
• Drive IT strategy in line with the school’s vision for innovation and digital transformation.
• Prepare an annual IT budget and its implementation.
  
  

Network, Infrastructure & Systems Administration

• Oversee LAN/WAN networks, telecommunications, Wi-Fi, and firewalls, ensuring high availability and performance.
• Manage and optimise Windows/Linux servers, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policies.
• Ensure seamless integration of file servers, cloud storage, email systems, and backups.
  
  

Security, Compliance & Business Continuity

• Enforce IT policies and data protection standards (GDPR, UAE compliance).
• Lead vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and incident response.
• Implement and maintain advanced security measures (firewalls, MFA, encryption).
• Own the disaster recovery and business continuity strategy, including regular testing.
• Provide training to staff on security awareness.
  
  

Systems & Applications

• Oversee core platforms including SIS, ERP, LMS, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365.
• Ensure smooth deployment, integration, and maintenance of educational and operational systems and software.
• Support adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and teaching and operational outcomes.
  
  

Hardware, Devices & Asset Management

• Oversee the lifecycle of IT assets: procurement, audits, repairs, and warranties.
• Ensure optimal performance of desktops, laptops, smartboards, printers, and mobile devices.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts for IT and systems services.
  
  

AV Systems & Event Technology

• Lead the design, integration, and maintenance of AV systems across classrooms, meeting rooms, and auditorium.
• Support school events and assemblies, ensuring professional AV operation and live-streaming capabilities.
• Oversee troubleshooting and upgrades of AV infrastructure.
  
  

Monitoring, Backup & Maintenance

• Ensure proactive monitoring of system health, performance, and security logs.
• Implement reliable automated backup solutions and data recovery protocols.
• Oversee system updates, patches, and preventative maintenance.
  
  

Technical Support & Training

• Supervise the IT helpdesk, ensuring timely and effective support for staff and students.
• Deliver staff workshops on IT systems, cyber security awareness, and best practice.
• Support PLD (Personal Learning Device) initiatives, e-learning platforms, exam software, and online assessments.
  
  

Collaboration & Projects

• Lead IT-related projects, from planning through to implementation and evaluation in collaboration with SLT and the owning company.
• Collaborate with academic and operational departments to identify technology needs.
• Build strong vendor and partner relationships to support innovation.
  
  

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of IT administration experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or supervisory role.
• Strong expertise in networking, servers, systems, AV, and IT security.
• Proven ability to lead IT projects and supervise technical staff.
• Experience in educational IT environments is advantageous.
• Professional certifications (e.g., Microsoft, Cisco, ITIL, CompTIA Security+, Cyber Security) are highly desirable.
  
  

In Return We Can Offer You

A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors

A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity

A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students

Our Compensation And Benefits Package Includes (where Applicable)

Competitive tax-free salary

Visa and medical insurance coverage

End of service gratuity in line with UAE Labour Law

Interviews will take place at Dubai Heights Academy or via Zoom, should a face to face interview not be possible. Closing date for applications is as advertised, however interviews may take place ahead of this date so an early application is advantageous. Whilst we thank all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Safeguarding Statement

Dubai Heights Academy is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and as such expects all its employees to share this commitment. All new staff will be subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance including identity checks, criminal background checks (from your home country/country of residence), qualification checks (attestation) and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment and at least two satisfactory professional references, which will be verified. Applicants may also be required to provide other applicable personal documents e.g. degree, marriage certificate etc. A full checklist will be provided to successful candidates.

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